Palm Announces the Treo 750v

Palm Treo 750vPalm today has announced the Treo 750v smartphone, the first Treo smartphone to take advantage of Vodafone's 3G/UMTS network and is also the first Treo running Windows Mobile targeted for Europe. The new Treo 750v will be available first to Vodafone customers in the following countries: Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, the UK and other regions by the end of the calendar year.

"The new Treo 750v smartphone -- made available first in Europe -- on the Vodafone 3G/UMTS network is Palm's latest salvo to reach more customers in more regions with an ever-expanding line of compelling Treo smartphones,” said Ed Colligan, president and chief executive officer from Palm. "Expanding the Treo footprint globally is a key focus for Palm, and with collaborative marketing investments in Europe from Palm, Vodafone and Microsoft, we are confident we can captivate mobile professionals and businesses and help them be more productive in the office and on the go.”

The Treo 750v combines the hallmark Palm experience of a multifeatured mobile phone with email, messaging, web browsing and organization software all in a new compact design. The new smartphone comes with Microsoft's Messaging and Security Feature Pack (MSFP) for Windows Mobile 5, which includes Direct Push Technology and enhanced security features free and out of the box. It is also fully compatible with Vodafone Business Email, giving remote access to enterprise and Internet-based email accounts. These business-ready solutions address the need for a robust push-email solution that can be deployed easily by small businesses to global enterprises.

Unique to the Treo smartphone on Windows Mobile is a suite of software enhancements developed by Palm that underscores its brand promise of fast access, ease of use and simplicity. Examples include the following:

Palm Treo 750v- Today Screen enhancements, which feature the ability to "dial by name” with a few keystrokes on the keyboard, perform a web search directly from the Today Screen and perform one-touch dialing with personalized photo speed dials;
- Ability to manage a call directly from the Today Screen and stay on top of voicemail with on-screen, VCR-like icons, such as rewind, delete and fast-forward controls for easy navigation;
- Ability to ignore a call and quickly compose a text message, such as "In a meeting” or "Can't talk”; and
- Dedicated messaging application for SMS/MMS that is organized in a "chat thread” so users can reference prior messages and use emoticons for a personal touch.

Treo 750v Specs
The Palm Treo 750v runs Windows Mobile 5.2 Pocket PC edition. It is powered by a 300MHz Samsung processor and has 128MB nonvolatile flash memory (60MB available for storage). The display is a 65k colour, 240 x 240 pixel touch screen. It has integrated Bluetooth 1.2 wireless technology, but like previous Treos does not include Wi-Fi support. It has a new side mounted mini-SD memory expansion and a 1.3 megapixel camera with 2x digital zoom.

The wireless phone is a quad band GSM/GPRS/EDGE/UMTS radio. It supports the 850/900/1800/1900 GSM bands, and 850/1900/2100 UTMS bands. The battery is a removable 1200 mAH Lithium-ion, good for a claimed 4.5 hours GSM / 2.5 hours UMTS talk time, with 10 days standby time.

It has dimensions of 111 mm x 58 mm x 22 mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 0.8" inches) and weighs in at 154 g (5.4 ounces). The casing is slightly slimmer than the 650/700 series and the casing has a "soft touch" paint finish. It is also the first new Treo model to have an internal antenna.

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Missing a 'and' and a ','

SeldomVisitor @ 9/12/2006 11:45:49 AM # Q
Perhaps the ambiguity behind the "availability" (*) should have been erased with a word and a punctuation mark?

=======

(*) In the days of Handspring, the word "available" was a giggle. I wonder if PALM continues the tradition with this one?

RE: Missing a 'and' and a ','
scstraus2 @ 9/16/2006 7:53:22 PM # Q
T-3 months until I ditch palm and buy a Nokia. You can put your Windows Mobiles where the sun doesn't shine, Palm. They're not even competitive with everyone else's. Idiots.

Reply to this comment

Palm OS

Rhauer @ 9/12/2006 11:58:58 AM # Q
Can we expect a GSM version with Palm OS. How about wi-fi? Will that ever be built into the Treo. Currently using TX and feeling presure to move to a Treo. I'm really affraid I will miss bigger and better screen and wifi.

RE: Palm OS
LiveFaith @ 9/12/2006 4:47:49 PM # Q
I've gotten used to the screen on my 650 after sidegrading from the T3. But, I still watch movies and read the Bible on the landscape big screen when I take the time. WiFi is not even worth me ranting over ... I'll let hoards of others shake their heads at that ommission.

1200mah power? Uggh, that's 1/3 drop form the 650. Maybe the Samsung 300 and MSFTs super efficient OS :-) will make up the difference. Why not just use the same tech in the 2400mah aftermarket 700/650 battery and slim it down to around 1800? Forget it. I give up trying to figure them out anymore.

Pat Horne

Reply to this comment

No WiFi?

Upke @ 9/12/2006 12:16:23 PM # Q
I just don't understand but perhaps someone can enlighten me. Why would I want bluetooth on an already wireless device? Wouldn't there be more need for WiFi? Agreed you could use it as a wireless modem for Highspeed data acces but still. I would love to buy a treo. I was exited when I heard of Palms plans to introduce a new model in Europe. But this no WiFi policy is really getting annoying. I'll choose WiFi over BT everyday.

Palm powered!
RE: No WiFi?
halcyon @ 9/12/2006 1:35:31 PM # Q
The general argument is that Palm omits wifi to please the carriers that want to sell data plans.

Bluetooth is great for wireless headsets. A must on a high end phone.



RE: No WiFi?
Upke @ 9/12/2006 1:51:19 PM # Q
Ok yeah. I see the point. Headsets are very handy indeed. But still. Such a shame...

Palm powered!
RE: No WiFi?
edoan @ 9/12/2006 2:51:51 PM # Q
Not to mention that you can use BT to HotSync your phone to your PC. I haven't touched a HotSync cable in a very long time.
RE: No WiFi?
LiveFaith @ 9/12/2006 4:54:10 PM # Q
No WiFi! My only explanation at this late date is that Palm's weak position with carriers requires them to suck-up by keeping their phones from being useful for free. Surely their not technologically that pathetic.

Pat Horne
RE: No WiFi?
vip_m @ 9/13/2006 1:32:16 PM # Q
Steve Jobs, in a recent interview with financial analysts, was pestered about Apple coming up with its own cellphone. He replied that their biggest problem are the carriers who dictate what features to put or not to put in their phone. He said they want to make the best product possible but it's difficult to go through tight, corporate "orifices" (Steve's choice of word) to do it. He said it's not in Apple's DNA to have to go through someone's orifice before they are allowed to come up with all the features they want. But, he said, Apple is working on the problem.

I guess Palm has to go through the US orifices while Nokia, which gets most of moolah from the rest of the world and is not as limited by carriers, probably goes through a "bigger" orifice so has more flexibility. The flexibility to actually come out with phones with wi-fi. Nokia though, for some reason, doesn't want to support native synching with the Mac. Considering Mac users fit the profile of Nokia buyers, this is surprising. Once Nokia starts fully supporting the Mac though, watch out Palm.

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Slightly slimmer?

Foo Fighter @ 9/12/2006 12:56:58 PM # Q
That's an ambitious claim considering the trivial difference in thickness between this model and its CDMA sibling. The specs have exceeded my worst fears; no WiFi, still the same bulky (read: FAT) design. The only advantage this model offers is the removal of its stubby antenna, and a slighter lighter battery.

That's about it. I won't be reaching for my credit card when the Cingular model rolls out. If anything I may now move on Cingular's version of the HTC TyTn.

-------------------------------
PocketFactory, www.pocketfactory.com
Elitist Snob, www.elitistsnob.com

RE: Slightly slimmer?
richardyates @ 9/12/2006 1:06:14 PM # Q
I now *know* Palm have lost the plot. This device will only be available on Vodafone where data costs £2.35/MB in the UK. It has no wifi (I still want bluetooth because its useful handsfree). I almost feel like sending them my Nokia E61 to show what can be done, or even an ipaq hw6910 (though the battery life isn't good on that)

I fear the end is in sight - I go back to palm III days and I don't see a way forward like this

RE: Slightly slimmer?
LiveFaith @ 9/12/2006 4:57:40 PM # Q
Richard,

Don't send them the Nokia or HTC. Trust me, they know what their up against. Palm execs and engineers probably already use them for personal use anyway!

Palm seems to be acting like a rebellious child, who by their actions is saying "spank me". Except their begging "buy me".

Pat Horne

RE: Slightly slimmer?
hoodoo @ 9/13/2006 9:01:27 AM # Q
Nokia E61? That would be nice. It has nothing to do with Palm omitting wi-fi.

In Canada, Rogers wirelss has just proudly introduced the Nokia E62! Identical to the E61, but without wi-fi.

Reply to this comment

Palm's WinMob Differentiator Strategy

Gekko @ 9/12/2006 2:00:58 PM # Q

Palm's WinMob Differentiator Strategy: "Our WinMob Device is better because our WinMob is Palm-Enhanced".

Say goodbye to FrankenGarnet.



RE: Palm's WinMob Differentiator Strategy
Gekko @ 9/12/2006 3:51:07 PM # Q

"Our WinMob is different and BETTER." -

Unique to the Treo smartphone on Windows Mobile is a suite of software enhancements developed by Palm that underscores its brand promise of fast access, ease of use and simplicity. Examples include the following:

- Today Screen enhancements, which feature the ability to "dial by name” with a few keystrokes on the keyboard, perform a web search directly from the Today Screen and perform one-touch dialing with personalized photo speed dials;
- Ability to manage a call directly from the Today Screen and stay on top of voicemail with on-screen, VCR-like icons, such as rewind, delete and fast-forward controls for easy navigation;
- Ability to ignore a call and quickly compose a text message, such as "In a meeting” or "Can't talk”; and
- Dedicated messaging application for SMS/MMS that is organized in a "chat thread” so users can reference prior messages and use emoticons for a personal touch.



RE: Palm's WinMob Differentiator Strategy
LiveFaith @ 9/12/2006 5:00:20 PM # Q
Step back Sony Walkman, iPod, TiVo etc. That's some pretty lofty goals accomplished!

Pat Horne
Reply to this comment

Antenna

Gekko @ 9/12/2006 2:03:34 PM # Q

So is this an admission that the antenna is a *BAD* thing?

RE: Antenna
JKingGrim @ 9/12/2006 3:11:10 PM # Q
I think I read somewhere that certain carriers want the antenna. Thats why for instance the gsm wizard has no antenna while the cdma version the apache has an antenna (which is in an odd spot when I'm using the keyboard).

RE: Antenna
AdamaDBrown @ 9/12/2006 3:39:38 PM # Q
I think I read somewhere that certain carriers want the antenna.

This is true--Verizon is very big on the external antenna. They used to require it for all their original phones, though they've eased up on this lately I think.

RE: Antenna
Gekko @ 9/12/2006 3:52:43 PM # Q

Adama - we know why you like the Antenna, but that's a whole other story, for a much different kind of forum.



RE: Antenna
LiveFaith @ 9/12/2006 5:04:42 PM # Q
Gekko. You're a sicko!

Just because someone wants to clean their ears out with it is not your concern.

Pat Horne

Reply to this comment

Questionable choices?

hkklife @ 9/12/2006 9:23:30 PM # Q
-Samsung 300mhz CPU? What happened to Intel? Is this a potential cost-cutting, performance reducing move? Treocentral says this CPU is going to be more energy efficient but the proof's in the real world performance. Somehow this makes me think about the T5 to TX speed & battery size reduction all while Palm claimed Xscale CPU advancements would lead to better battery life (it didn't).

-MiniSD. Change simply for the sake of change. All this will do is annoy and aggravate the consumer and put a few more $ in Sandisk's pockets. With 4gb SDHC now entering the market and 4gb SD cards now <$60 (and 8gb SDHC available by year's end) Palm made another move to put them further behind the competition in external storage $/mb.

-Soft touch paint. Anyone who remember the first generation Zire 72 knows to stay far, FAR away from this stuff. Now I do have a Treo Hard Case (reviewed for PIC) and it's holding up fairly well but it's not my daily use case either. Hopefully this soft touch stuff is able to withstand the rigors of daily use better than what they used on the Zire 72.

-Reduced capacity battery. I can BARELY make it through a 12/13 hour day with my Seidio extended battery on my 700P (and that's with no BT usage). Reducing battery life in a "next gen" product is NEVER a wise move. THis is a sure fire sign of the beancounters neutering Palm's products--again. See the LifeDrive's memory architecture, T5 & TX formfactors, and the Treo 650 & 700w RAM sizes for prior examples. And yes, yes, yes I know that GSM handsets/chipsets use less power than CDMA ones...

Slower CPU. Lower capacity battery. A new memory card format with lower capacities, higher prices and less widespread support? Man you've gotta love Palm's aggressive marketing!

P.S. Also, where are the "zennish" tweaks to the OS? Other than threaded SMS messaging client, has Palm made any major UI modifications?

Pilot 1000-->Pilot 5000-->PalmPilot Pro-->IIIe-->Vx-->m505-->T|T-->T|T2-->T|C-->T|T3-->T|T5-->TX-->Treo 700P

RE: Questionable choices?
LiveFaith @ 9/12/2006 10:30:08 PM # Q
HKK,

I feel your pain man. The Palm IIIe knocked my socks off 7 years ago for a variety of reasons. But we waited and waited and waited to see what the Fab4 Treos would be this year. Sadly, this flagship (and your examples) pretty much lets the air outta the balloon and says to me that Palm will never bring forth superior products.

What a waste. I have the nasty feeling that I'm going to end up in Bill & Steve's excellent adventure soon. But I certainly won't volunteer for double jeapordy by accepting Palm's arcane hardware to boot. It's just plain sad, but if this is the biggest letdown I've got, then life aint bad. :-

Pat Horne

RE: Questionable choices?
freakout @ 9/13/2006 12:25:31 AM # Q
Presumably, the new internal antenna has crammed the inside of this new Treo so much that they can no longer fit the higher-capacity 650/700 battery in there. (as you can see, it's like a peak-hour train in there: http://tinyurl.com/kefnv) This might explain the change in memory cards too, but it doesn't make it any less painful...

Soft-touch paint is a nice touch (pardon the pun). Is it the same stuff as on the Black Tie 650?

Tim
I apologise for any and all emoticons that appear in my posts. You may shoot them on sight.
Treo 270 ---> Treo 650

Well, the Treonauts dude is happy...
freakout @ 9/13/2006 3:07:59 AM # Q
...but then, he would be, wouldn't he - he's probably about to make a fortune in miniSD cards.

To answer my own question: yes, it is the same coating as on the Black Tie 650, except a dark navy colour. With black keys. Sexy. :D

Reportedly this Treo is 1mm thinner, 2mm narrower and 24 grams (or 15%) lighter than its 650 and 700-series brethren.

And the miniSD slot is fiddly to open, as predicted.

More at http://blog.treonauts.com/2006/09/treo_750v_in_my.html


Tim
I apologise for any and all emoticons that appear in my posts. You may shoot them on sight.
Treo 270 ---> Treo 650

RE: Questionable choices?
meeksomebody @ 9/13/2006 4:18:55 AM # Q
So this year:
1. Palm Treo 700w
2. Palm Treo 700p
3. Palm Treo 700wx
4. Palm Treo 750v

Is that the four? I don't really see much of a difference between the 700w and 700wx.

Face it, Palm. Give it a few more years and you're doomed.

RE: Questionable choices?
freakout @ 9/13/2006 5:02:57 AM # Q
^^ Does the 700wx really count? Remember, we have yet to see Nitro.

Tim
I apologise for any and all emoticons that appear in my posts. You may shoot them on sight.
Treo 270 ---> Treo 650
RE: Questionable choices?
SeldomVisitor @ 9/13/2006 7:27:49 AM # Q
We'll find out!

Colligan's scripted words during two different earnings calls suggest the four are already out:

-- http://www.palminfocenter.com/comments/8886/#124313

but PALM ==could== have another low-cost model in some sort of near-release state that they can intro prior to end of year and make THAT one the fourth.

That is, they could stay mum until it's obvious they can't get that one out, then claim the four right above were The Four all along.

Would make a nice question during the CC coming up in a week, eh?

== "You've twice mentioned the four new TREOs to be released
== this year and what you meant by 'new'. Are the 4 TREOs the..."

RE: Questionable choices?
heavyduty @ 9/13/2006 8:00:47 AM # Q
And so what if they release the Nitro? You think Palm will put Wifi in their low-cost model? Of course they won't, because they haven't understood one danm thing about this market; how anyone can release a new communications device in late '06 with no Wifi is beyond me but proves that Palm has no grasp of reality. And reality is smacking them right in the face in the shape of the E61, E70 and HTC's lineup.

Palm Vx (a classic) -> Palm 505 (*yawn*) -> Dell Axim (slooow...) -> Palm TE (great) -> Qtek 9090 (great idea, lousy platform) -> Nokia 6630 (a toy) -> iMate SP3i (not bad) -> Nokia 9300 (doesn't sync notes!!) -> Treo 650 (awesome... one year ago)
RE: Questionable choices?
hkklife @ 9/13/2006 9:57:55 AM # Q
Does anyone know if there are "embedded" wi-fi drivers on the 750v like there are for Palm's wi-fi SDIO card on the 700w and wx?

Maybe Palm is planning on addressing two of the major shortcomings of the 750v with their own branded aftermarket accessories; a higher capacity "Palm" Seidio-style extended battery and a "Palm" branded wi-fi Mini SDIO card?

Even though the above would be the best case scenario, it's still inexcusable for these things not being standard. The battery actually irks ME more personally but if I were a European user I'd be more aggravated.

The launch of the 750v would have been perfect timing for Vodafone to announce a butchering of their data prices and the introduction of a reasonable priced unlimited data plan...

Pilot 1000-->Pilot 5000-->PalmPilot Pro-->IIIe-->Vx-->m505-->T|T-->T|T2-->T|C-->T|T3-->T|T5-->TX-->Treo 700P

RE: Questionable choices?
craigdts @ 9/14/2006 8:34:04 AM # Q
Here's evidence on new devices - low rider

"We are also going to announce another major product for the European market before the end of year, which we hope to take across the continent and hit some really new price points and reach a new consumer market. So we're coming in here really focused."

http://yahoo.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/sep2006/gb20060913_327751.htm

So it looks like Palm's Low Rider will be sold worldwide

RE: Questionable choices?
freakout @ 9/14/2006 8:42:07 AM # Q
"The [Treo750v] is a great phone too. If you see people in Europe with BlackBerrys, most of them [also] have a phone. Why is that? There's no question that if you carry this product you'll love it as a phone and you'll love it as a data application, and that's how we'll differentiate ourselves."

Hopefully this means they've improved their radio capabilities.

Tim
I apologise for any and all emoticons that appear in my posts. You may shoot them on sight.
Treo 270 ---> Treo 650

RE: Questionable choices?
SeldomVisitor @ 9/14/2006 8:42:36 AM # Q
Oh - man - you were SO close!

But you forgot the words tht were JUST before your quote!

They are:

== "...In Europe, what we have is a handheld computing biz. We've
== sold more than 7 million devices of various PDAs in Europe and
== have a great presence relative to that..."

So, other than sheer hope-hope-hope why do you think "product" translates into "phone"?

Again - I think we've seen the 4 new TREOs for this year.

And I think PALM hasn't got a chance of introducing a TREO that's really low-priced that has sufficient features to compete with EXISTING smartphones already on the market. Others think so, too:

-- http://tinyurl.com/jd5x2

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This is a great move for Palm:

maybepalm @ 9/13/2006 6:47:21 AM # Q
you complaining guys just do not get it.

It is a device for Europe - so it's WM, becouse POS is almost unknown, expecially in cellphones world.

No WiFi? WHO CARES. Is a 3G device - you get 3G speed almost anywere, compered to almost non existent wifi hotspot (which by the way, are not free). Oh, I understand you geeks like to wiretap someones networks to get free internet access.

Samsung CPU is integrated with UMTS radio, so is much more efficient using 3G. That is why it is used.

Battery is less, so the device is slimmer and lighter than 700w - since it is under a GSM/UMTS network it use LESS power than CDMA. That is why op/stdby time are the same as 700w.

You will not buy it becouse you do not like it? Ok, me to, I'll keep my TX - BUT MANY WILL! And those many who will buy it do not even know that POS or WiFi even exists...


RE: This is a great move for Palm:
heavyduty @ 9/13/2006 8:14:18 AM # Q
No WiFi? WHO CARES. Is a 3G device - you get 3G speed almost anywere, compered to almost non existent wifi hotspot (which by the way, are not free). Oh, I understand you geeks like to wiretap someones networks to get free internet access.

Oh, and 3G is free, right??

Pardon my language but that's bull. As a resident in Spain, with a Vodafone contract, let me inform you that Vodafone doesn't have any flat-rate 3G plan in Spain, meaning that if you wish to surf with your new Treo, be prepared to hand away serious cash to Vodafone on top of what you gave them for the Treo.

So let me restate that: bull!!

Palm Vx (a classic) -> Palm 505 (*yawn*) -> Dell Axim (slooow...) -> Palm TE (great) -> Qtek 9090 (great idea, lousy platform) -> Nokia 6630 (a toy) -> iMate SP3i (not bad) -> Nokia 9300 (doesn't sync notes!!) -> Treo 650 (awesome... one year ago)

RE: This is a great move for Palm:
palmato @ 9/13/2006 10:17:52 AM # Q
While I do agree that 3g data transfer charges are still quite steep (end even more when roaming kicks in, but that's another issue), it is also true that wifi is not a viable alternative on this side of the pond.
First of all, free wifi only exists at your own home. Everywhere else you have to pay, usually 5-10US$ per half hour. Vodafone, for instance has such a service in major european airports.

Second the network of wifi hotspots is controlled by a couple of companies (whose names escape me) which resell their services to the carriers. This means no competition and no compelling reason to make the service cheaper and more widely available.

So lack of wifi does not seem to be a big deal in Europe, at least IMHO.


--------------------------
Hey Admin: Why do we have to keep two profiles?

RE: This is a great move for Palm:
heavyduty @ 9/13/2006 10:44:02 AM # Q
So lack of wifi does not seem to be a big deal in Europe, at least IMHO.

I was in Stockholm, Sweden, just a few days ago where it was proposed to, starting from next summer, offer free Wifi in the whole city at bus stops, train stations, etc, as a free service. As someone who travels to Stockholm frequently that kind of service is invaluable; there is no way, no how, I would even begin to consider a non-Wifi communication device in this day and age. Nor will the habitants of Stockholm if the proposition is passed....

Palm dropped the ball on this one. Big time.

(And as I'm writing this, a friend of mine is chatting with me through Msn with her pda while she's in the waiting room at the doctor's, leeching on a Wifi connection; the irony of it...)

Palm Vx (a classic) -> Palm 505 (*yawn*) -> Dell Axim (slooow...) -> Palm TE (great) -> Qtek 9090 (great idea, lousy platform) -> Nokia 6630 (a toy) -> iMate SP3i (not bad) -> Nokia 9300 (doesn't sync notes!!) -> Treo 650 (awesome... one year ago)

RE: This is a great move for Palm:
palmato @ 9/13/2006 11:59:40 AM # Q
I indeed had a good time when I visited Stockholm a couple of years ago, really a nice city. But the key word here is "next year", which may actually mean two, three or never.

I don't dispute the fact that there are may exceptions to general lack of free wifi (leeching doesn't count) but right now that's how the situation is at least in the countries I know.

And BTW, the biggest mistake of Palm is to waste money and time with winmob. That is really unforgivable. :-)


--------------------------
Hey Admin: Why do we have to keep two profiles?

RE: This is a great move for Palm:
richardyates @ 9/13/2006 1:34:05 PM # Q
Norwich in England already has a free wifi network. The point is, even where you pay for wifi in the UK it costs nothing like 3G charges, and don't even get me started on roaming charges

I think Palm are just daft running this we don't want to offend the airtime providers by including wifi line. If that's true, how come Vodafone sell the Nokia E61, Ipaq 6910, HTC TyTn (v1605) and so on?

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